Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei held a press conference on May 14, 2013.

Q: Toru Hashimoto, co-leader of the Japan Restoration Party, reportedly said on May 13 that the system of "comfort women" was "necessary to maintain discipline" in the Japanese military during the Second World War, adding that there was no evidence that the Japanese government or military was directly involved in abducting women and coercing them into sexual slavery. What is China's comment?

A: Forced recruitment of "comfort women" is a heinous crime committed by the Japanese militarism during the Second World War. It is a significant human rights issue concerning the dignity of victims. We are shocked and outraged by Japanese politician's blatant challenge to the conscience of mankind and the justice of history. How Japan faces the past will decide how it heads into the future. Japan's Asian neighbours and the whole international community will wait and see what choice Japan will make.

Q: Did China carry out anti-satellite test last night?

A: I am not aware of what you mentioned. It is China's longstanding stance to make peaceful use of the outer space and oppose weaponization and arms race in the outer space .

Q: It is reported that European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht will ask the European Commission today to launch investigation into the so-called unfair trade practice of Huawei and ZTE. What is China's comment?

A: China-EU economic relationship is mutually beneficial in nature. China-EU economic cooperation and trade has made remarkable progress over the years, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and promoted economic development of both sides. We hope that the EU would bear in mind the overall interests of China-EU cooperation, create favorable conditions for the sound and steady development of China-EU economic relationship and refrain from resorting to trade protectionist measures.

Q: It is learned that US Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies will visit China. Please brief us on that.

A: China is in close communication and coordination with all relevant parties of the Six-Party Talks on the current situation of the Korean Peninsula as well as how to realize lasting peace and stability of the Peninsula. US Special Representative for North Korea Policy Davies will be in China on May 15. We will release relevant information in due course.